CBP Proposes Several Changes to ESTA Application, I-94 Departures

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has proposed several changes to the ESTA application process. According to a Federal Register notice published on December 10, the federal agency wants to allow travelers reporting their own exits to submit biographical data, social media vetting for ESTA applicants, and automated I-94 updates.

Travelers who self-report their exits may submit their geolocation through the CBP mobile app

If implemented, those who are voluntarily documenting their exits to CBP would be able to submit “biographic data” via the CBP Home mobile application. This would also serve as additional proof of departure for those with I-94s. 

Through the CBP mobile app, users could upload their passports, travel documents, facial images, or geolocation. But if they opt to send additional data, they would have to submit a selfie. 

CBP will now allow travelers to verify their departure by taking a live selfie, using geolocation to confirm they are physically outside the United States and “liveness detection” technology to ensure the photo is real and not previously uploaded.

If implemented, the CBP app would also collect geolocation data to verify departures. This data can be used by travelers to confirm they compiled with their I-94 departure dates if they reenter the U.S. 

CBP may decommission the online ESTA application portal

Right now, travelers eligible for the VWP can apply for an ESTA online or through the ESTA Mobile app. If the proposed changes go into effect, CBP would close the application portal on the ESTA website. That means people will need to download and use the ESTA Mobile app to apply for a new ESTA.

CBP could require ESTA applicants to provide their social media

If implemented, ESTA applicants would have to submit evidence of their social media profiles over the past five years. According to the Federal Register notice, this would fall in line with the January 2025 executive order that called for increased vetting of foreign nationals. The move mirrors recent initiatives by the State Department to expand social media reviews for visa applicants.

CBP may add several “high value data fields” to the ESTA application

In addition, the federal agency may require VWP travelers to submit “high value data.” This would be in addition to the information already collected in an initial ESTA application. 

If the proposal goes into effect, ESTA applicants may have to submit:

• Phone numbers (business and personal) used in the last five years, 
• Email addresses (business and personal) used in the last ten years, 
• Metadata from electronically submitted photos, including IP addresses
• The names and contact information of family members
• Additional biometrics, such as DNA and iris scans

Other changes outlined by the latest CBP proposal

CBP also plans to update its list of countries whose travelers need ESTA. This would include new and future VWP members like Qatar. It would also remove Romania from the list, as the country lost its VWP designation in May 2025.

These changes have not gone into effect. As of December 10, people have 60 days to submit comments for CBP’s proposal. After that window passes, the federal agency can choose to review all the submitted feedback, as well as amend, implement, or revoke their notice. That means that people may not see changes until February 8 at the earliest.